IlliniGuy Mike Cagley talks with IlliniGuys Football Beat Writer Matt Stevens after Illinois announced a new three-year contract extension for Ryan Walters before the end of his first season as the Illini’s defensive coordinator that calls for him to be a seven-figure coordinator through the 2024 season.
Under his leadership, Walters’s defense at Illinois has made a 13.3 points per game improvement from last season, the second-best improvement in the nation, while allowing 77.4 fewer yards per game. The Illini rank 35th nationally in opposing points per game, 44th in takeaways, and 42nd in third-down defense. Illinois' scoring defense, total defense, and third-down defense have all improved more than 40 spots in the national rankings.
This is a big day for Illini fans as AD Josh Whitman and football head coach Bret Bielema have teamed up to proactively reward their defensive coordinator for his unit drastically exceeding expectations.
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview #399
ListenHeat Checks & Hail Marys - Wisconsin, Iowa O, Michigan D, Successful Teams, Georgia v Bama, Notre Dame & Florida State/Florida
ListenPost Game Analysis- Illinois Fighting Illini defeat Central Michigan 30-9 #398
ListenInstant Take - Illinois Fighting Illini defeat Central Michigan 30-9 #397
ListenSept 13 Weekend - Hour 2 - S4 Ep 5
ListenSept 13 Weekend - Hour 1 - S4 Ep 5
ListenHeat Checks & Hail Marys - Wrong about Notre Dame, Iowa & Michigan, Illini Rise & 2 Bad NFL QBs
ListenFighting Illini vs Central Michigan Chippewas Football Preview #396
ListenFighting Illini Defeat #19 Kansas Jayhawks 23-17 #395
ListenInstant Take - Illini Defeat #19 Kansas 23-17 #394
ListenB1G Football Predictions Show & Illini Hoops Recruiting Update #393
ListenSept 6 Weekend - Hour 2 - S4 Ep 4
ListenSept 6 Weekend - Hour 1 - S4 Ep 4
ListenKed's Recruiting Roundup - Destiny Jackson & Her Mom Talk with Kedric
ListenKansas Jayhawks vs Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview with Henry Greenstein #392
Listen